Garden takes readers into the mind of a bullied teenager who takes a handgun to school. This book emphasizes the importance of educating children about bullying and that turning a blind eye to bullying can eventually result in tragedy. ( )

All I can think to say is that this seem terrifying realistic... It is so easy to see this situation happen, especially in light of the increase of bullying incidents that end with the victim hurting themselves or seeking revenge. This story was truly heartbreaking and although it should be read with caution for some people, I believe this is a book that should be required reading. Perhaps people can better see how and why their words and actions affect others, as well as what the consequences may be. ( )

Fourteen year old Gray Wilton just wants to play his drums, create songs, play with his dog, and be left alone. Unfortunately, Gray doesn't ever get what he wants. His dad hates him, his mother is too scared of his father to offer support, and his big brother Peter is too perfect and too busy to notice. Zorro, the school's football hero and his pack of friends make Gray's life miserable by bullying him mercilessly. As seems to be too typically true, no one listens or cares as his life spirals and his grades spiral downwards. Neither his parents, teachers, guidance counselor or principal pay attention to obvious clues about what's been happening. Only Gray's dog and drums keep him afloat in his misery.

Knowing he'll get away with it Zorro destroys Gray's drums, kills his dog and continues to torture him until Gray feels there's only one thing he can do. He gets his father's gun and goes to school for revenge. Unfortunately, the revenge Gray seeks and the relief he thinks he will get are not what actually happen. As usual, Gray doesn't ever get what he wants. ( )

Endgame by Nancy Farmer

So, this book follows Gray, a freshmen in high school who seems to be a burden to his parents, his brother being the kid in the spotlight. When the family moves to another town, the family's past catches up with them. Some of the very same demons have come along.

This book was decent, a story dedicated to the loneliness and suffering of a bullied, underappreciated kid. What Gray does is unthinkable, he tries to make people understand and pay for what they have done to him. The author did a good job at capturing the mental processes of someone going through such pain and loneliness as Gray--Although I think the Epilogue MAKES the book.

This is a great book for anyone working (or going to work) in the school system or with kids...If you do not want to read about, or are triggered by school violence, bullying, guns, or verbal abuse, this book may not be for you. ( )

Lots of sympathy for a school shooter, and mostly realistic bullying. ( )